Travel through mountains and valleys to experience the ‘moonscape’ of Las Cañadas, the greenery of La Esperanza and the lush fields of the Orotava Valley.

Proceed along the freeway that bisects the island to the picturesque village of La Esperanza, which marks the beginning of the forest of the same name. The road winds westward along the crest of the mountain range that forms the backbone of the island.

Pause for photos at Mirador de Otuno, offering a panoramic view of the northern coast of the island, and enter Cañadas National Park through the gateway of El Portillo Las Cañadas at an elevation of 6,600 feet. The park features a huge volcanic crater that appears to be devoid of life.

Your coach will wind through unusual landscapes before skirting the enormous peak of Mount Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dominates the area at over 12,270 feet (the highest point in Spain). The volcanic rocks found there are surprisingly colorful—black lava, red magma, white pumice and the bright green rocks through which the road is cut.

Returning to Santa Cruz, you will stop at the Humboldt Viewpoint and at Puerto de la Cruz for lunch.

Visit the Botanic Garden founded in 1788. A huge variety of palms grows here, and the centerpiece is an enormous South American fig tree whose branches and roots form an outlandish tree house.

And your tour with a drive along the northern freeway back to the harbor.